A key port of call for telecoms providers, leading banks and tech multinationals, CMS provides a comprehensive IT offering which covers regulatory, transactional and disputes matters, as well as telecoms expertise in data centres, subsea and satellite work. The practice is co-led by Matthew Bennett, who specialises in complex partnerships, outsourcing and shared services arrangements, alongside Chris Watson, who provides in-depth insight into IT infrastructure transformations and logistics strategies for major retailers. Sam De Silva is knowledgeable in complex technology and outsourcing projects, which extends to cloud computing, system integration, software licensing, and data protection. Dominic Dryden is a well-versed technology and sourcing lawyer, focused on structuring and negotiating complex commercial transactions, including IT and business process outsourcing and large-scale IT procurement. Ian Stevens leads the firm’s Fintech group, advising on the regulation, procurement, and deployment of cloud, AI, and emerging technologies, alongside digital transformation, data governance, and cybersecurity issues. Luke Pardey advises on technology, commercial, and IP matters, with a particular focus on large-scale IT and business process outsourcing in the financial services, technology, telecoms, and utilities sectors. Caroline Callaby is geared to support on matters concerning new and emerging regulations impacting the tech industry.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘CMS has a significantly sized team to assist in the procurement of technology solutions.’
‘Dominic Dryden has extensive experience in technology procurement as well as procurement in line with SS2/21 in the financial service space. He will always make himself available at short notice. He is pragmatic and has experience with various technology providers in the market.'
‘Industry expertise, pragmatic advice, knowledge of client's business.’
‘They really invest time and effort in supporting the market knowledge of their lawyers, with a really great secondment programme. This then shows as these lawyers move up the food chain. Partners put in huge efforts to develop great client-facing teams, and then let those lawyers shine. It feels like a joined-up practice, with deep pockets of expertise. I would say their regulated technology sector expertise is second to none, Ian Stevens in particular.'
‘Ian Stevens is a standout partner in the firm's practice. He is technically excellent, pragmatic, and very good at supporting his clients through difficult and complicated decisions. He really shines in the regulated industry and digital projects/outsourcings zone - historically in financial services, but this year I have seen him deliver some top-class advice around AI, cloud, cyber security, and data. He is adept at transactional, advisory, and business affairs, which makes him an extremely useful ally when it matters. I have probably spent a total of years in meeting rooms with him!’
‘The team clearly has deep experience of current practices and trends that enables them to add real value to commercial design and implementation decisions.’
Key clients
- Microsoft
- Equipped.AI
- New Balance
- Digicel
- Flagstone Group Limited
- Nature Metrics
- The CCBE (Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe)
- OpenAI
- CityFibre
- ADInstruments
- Ooredoo
- European Subsea Cables Association
Work highlights
Advised Equipped AI on its commercial model and negotiation of its customer contracts.
Advised Ooredoo on the disposal of its Myanmar operations to Nine Communications.
Advised New Balance on the procurement of its new eCommerce customer support solution and SaaS payroll system.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners: IT
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Matthew Bennett; Anthony Waller; Chris Watson
Other key lawyers
Sam De Silva; Dominic Dryden; Ian Stevens; Caroline Callaby; Luke Pardey; Michaela Potter